Virginia Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: 50/100/25 & the Mandate Update

Quick Answer: Virginia Minimum Motorcycle Insurance

Virginia requires all registered motorcycles to carry minimum liability insurance. The current state minimums are 50/100/25:

These minimums took effect July 1, 2023, when Virginia increased coverage requirements from the prior 25/50/20 standard. Uninsured motorist coverage is also required and must match your liability limits.

Critical 2024 update: Virginia eliminated its "Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee" on July 1, 2024. Previously, drivers could legally operate without insurance by paying $500 annually. That option no longer exists. Insurance is now genuinely mandatory for every Virginia rider.

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Virginia Motorcycle Insurance Law

Virginia's motorcycle insurance requirements fall under Title 46.2 of the Virginia Code. Every motorcycle registered in the state must maintain continuous liability coverage from a carrier licensed to operate in Virginia.

The July 2023 increase was part of a broader legislative effort to bring Virginia's minimums closer to the actual cost of modern accidents and medical care. If you purchased a policy before that date, your carrier may have auto-updated your limits — but verify your current declarations page to confirm.

Virginia also operates an electronic insurance verification system. Insurers report policy cancellations and lapses to the DMV, which can trigger registration suspension if coverage drops below state minimums.

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Required Coverage Breakdown

Liability Insurance (50/100/25)

Liability coverage pays for damage and injuries you cause to others. It does not cover your own injuries or damage to your motorcycle.

• $30,000 per injured person (maximum any one person can recover)
• $60,000 per accident (total cap for all injuries in one incident)
• $20,000 for property damage (the other vehicle, fence, or other property)

If you cause an accident injuring two people with $40,000 in medical bills each, your policy pays $40,000 to one and $20,000 to the other — capped at $60,000 total. You're personally liable for the remaining $20,000.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (Required)

Virginia requires UM/UIM coverage at limits matching your liability: 50/100/25. This protects you when:

• The at-fault driver has no insurance
• The at-fault driver's limits are too low to cover your injuries
• A hit-and-run driver causes your accident

Virginia's uninsured driver rate sits around 10-12%. UM/UIM coverage is not optional — explicit written rejection is generally not accepted by Virginia insurers for motorcycles.

Coverages NOT Required (But Worth Considering)

If you're financing your motorcycle, your lender will almost certainly require comprehensive and collision regardless of what state law mandates.

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FR-44 Requirements in Virginia

Virginia uses an FR-44 certificate — a step above the standard SR-22 used in most states — after a conviction for DUI (alcohol or drugs), maiming while DUI, or driving on a license forfeited for either (Va. Code § 46.2-316(C)).

FR-44 requires double the standard liability minimums:

The FR-44 requirement is defined as a multiple of the standard minimum, and that minimum changed on 1 January 2025. Figures published before that date, including the widely repeated 60/120/40, were derived from the superseded 30/60/20 tier.

FR-44 must be maintained for 3 years after you otherwise become entitled to a license, not from the conviction date. If coverage lapses at any point during those 3 years, your insurer notifies the DMV immediately and your license is re-suspended. Virginia and Florida are the only two states that use FR-44 rather than SR-22 for serious traffic violations.

Not all insurers write FR-44 policies. Expect significantly higher premiums and fewer carrier choices if an FR-44 is required.

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The 2024 Elimination of Virginia's Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee

For decades, Virginia maintained a peculiar provision: pay the DMV $500 per year and you could legally operate a motor vehicle without carrying insurance. This "Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee" (UMVF) was widely criticized for leaving accident victims with no recourse against uninsured drivers.

Effective July 1, 2024, the UMVF was eliminated entirely under Senate Bill 951. There is no alternative to carrying insurance in Virginia. No cash deposit, no UMVF, no workaround for individual riders. The only exception is large commercial operators who can apply for self-insured status — a process not available to individual motorcyclists.

If your registration was previously tied to UMVF payment rather than an insurance policy, you needed to obtain coverage by July 1, 2024, or face registration revocation.

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Who Must Carry Motorcycle Insurance in Virginia

Required for:

• All motorcycles registered in Virginia
• Any motorcycle operated on Virginia public roads
• Mopeds with engines larger than 50cc (those under 50cc follow different rules)

Special situations:

• Non-residents: Riding through Virginia on an out-of-state registration is permitted provided your home state's policy meets Virginia's 50/100/25 minimums
• Antique motorcycles: Registered antique bikes (25+ years old) still require insurance; classic bike policies with agreed-value coverage are available
• Military personnel: Active duty stationed in Virginia must comply with Virginia law if their motorcycle is registered in the state
• Stored bikes: coverage is required while the registration is active, but an owner can ask the DMV to deactivate the registration (Va. Code § 46.2-646.1); the bike cannot be ridden while deactivated, and proof of insurance is needed to reactivate it

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Virginia Helmet Law

Virginia enforces a universal helmet law under Virginia Code § 46.2-910. Every motorcycle operator and passenger must wear:

• A helmet meeting or exceeding DOT (Department of Transportation) FMVSS 218 standards
• Protective eyewear or a face shield (unless the motorcycle has an approved windscreen)

There are no age exemptions. Unlike states where experienced adult riders can legally go helmetless, Virginia requires helmets for everyone on a registered motorcycle, regardless of age or riding experience.

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Penalties for Riding Without Insurance

Virginia uses electronic insurance verification linked to the DMV database. Officers at traffic stops and accident scenes can verify coverage in real time. Insurers must report policy cancellations within 45 days.

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Recommended Coverage Beyond Minimums

Virginia's 50/100/25 minimums are modest relative to current medical costs. A single hospitalization after a serious motorcycle accident can easily exceed $100,000.

The premium difference between minimum and $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury is often surprisingly small — sometimes $50–$100 per year on a motorcycle policy.

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How to Get Motorcycle Insurance in Virginia

When applying for coverage, have the following ready:

• Virginia driver's license number and motorcycle endorsement
• Motorcycle VIN, year, make, and model
• Estimated annual mileage
• Riding history (prior violations, at-fault accidents, previous insurance)
• Garaging ZIP code in Virginia

Factors affecting your Virginia motorcycle premium:

• Engine displacement (larger engines typically mean higher premiums)
• Riding history and prior claims
• Age and years of licensed riding
• Security features (alarm system, GPS tracker)
• Completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course — many carriers offer a 5–15% discount

Virginia does not cap what discounts insurers must offer, but MSF course completion is widely recognized.

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FAQ

Does Virginia require year-round motorcycle insurance?

Yes. Virginia requires continuous coverage as long as your motorcycle is registered. The exception is a deactivated registration: under Va. Code § 46.2-646.1 an owner can ask the DMV to deactivate it, liability insurance is not required while it is deactivated, and the bike may not be ridden until the registration is reactivated with proof of insurance.

Is digital proof of insurance accepted in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia law allows electronic proof of insurance displayed on a phone or tablet during a traffic stop. Keep your insurer's app or a PDF of your declarations page accessible while riding.

What is the difference between FR-44 and SR-22 in Virginia?

FR-44 is Virginia's equivalent to SR-22 but with higher required limits. SR-22 certifies minimum required coverage; FR-44 requires double those limits. Virginia requires FR-44 (not SR-22) after DUI, maiming while DUI, or driving on a license forfeited for either. Most other states use SR-22 for similar situations.

Can I ride in Virginia with an out-of-state policy?

Yes, if your policy meets Virginia's 50/100/25 minimums. If you establish Virginia residency or register your motorcycle in Virginia, you'll need a Virginia-compliant policy or one specifically endorsed for Virginia coverage.

Does Virginia require insurance for mopeds?

Mopeds with engines 50cc or under operating at 35 mph or less are not classified as motorcycles under Virginia law and have different requirements. Mopeds with engines over 50cc are treated as motorcycles and require full 50/100/25 liability coverage.

What happens if I'm in an accident without insurance in Virginia?

Your license will be suspended. You're also personally liable for all damages you caused, and the injured party can pursue a civil lawsuit. Virginia courts can garnish wages and place liens on property to collect judgments.

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Summary

Virginia motorcycle insurance in brief:

• Minimum liability: 50/100/25 (effective 1 January 2025)
• UM/UIM: Required at matching limits
• FR-44: Required after DUI/DWI — 100/200/50, exactly double the state minimum
• Helmets: Mandatory for all riders and passengers — no age exemption
• Uninsured vehicle fee: Eliminated July 2024 — insurance is now truly mandatory
• Continuous coverage: Required while the registration is active; a deactivated registration (Va. Code § 46.2-646.1) needs no insurance, but the bike cannot be ridden

The minimum 50/100/25 covers others you injure — not you. Adding medical payments and collision coverage protects you and your bike after an accident.

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Virginia motorcycle insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the Virginia DMV (dmvnow.virginia.gov) and the Virginia Bureau of Insurance, and consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: September 2026
Sources: Virginia DMV (dmvnow.virginia.gov), Virginia Bureau of Insurance, Virginia Code Title 46.2, Senate Bill 951 (2024)